Etihad Airways deepens ties between UAE and Saudi Arabia to mark National Day

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Etihad Airways has unveiled its series of activities to celebrate the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia on the 88th National Day of the Kingdom.

To
mark the occasion on Sunday 23 September, the airline’s flagship Year of Zayed branded
A380 will be deployed on EY311 and EY312, between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. The
flight crew operating the aircraft will be Saudi and UAE Nationals.

Ahmed
Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President Government and International Affairs said: “In
recognition of the special bond between our two countries, and the increasing
importance of the Saudi market to the airline, we are delighted to host this
exciting programme of events. Over the coming months, Etihad will continue to
strengthen this relationship and announce new partnerships with key Saudi
Arabian organisations that will add even greater value to our guests.”

Etihad
recently announced sponsorship of Riyadh-based Al Nassr FC, one of Saudi
Arabia’s most popular football teams, and players from the club have recorded a
special video which will be broadcast on National Day.

The
airline commissioned Emirati poet, Ahmed Al Zarounei, to write a unique prose
to symbolise the friendship and bond between the two countries. The 380-word
Arabic poem, inspired by the A380, was transcribed on digital screens at Abu
Dhabi International Airport in an interactive exhibit. The gesture was captured
on film and will be broadcast across Etihad’s social media channels.

Guests
travelling between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia will receive themed chocolates
and greeting cards on National Day. All guests visiting Etihad’s lounge in Abu
Dhabi will be treated to a selection of Saudi Arabian themed cuisine.

The airline is also offering special fares from Saudi Arabia
during the National Day celebration period. More details can be found on
etihad.com or through local travel agents.

In 2017, Etihad operated 7,578 passenger flights and carried
1.3 million guests between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Etihad
Cargo carried more than 28,000 tons of cargo between the two countries last
year.

Etihad
Airways currently operates 77 flights per week to Saudi Arabia; three return
flights a day to Riyadh, three return flights a day to Jeddah, and four return
flights a day to Dammam, as well as daily seasonal flights to Medina.